But now, it has emerged, Yaqoob, 45, of Ravensthorpe, was subject to a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act at Leeds Crown Court in July.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) went before a judge after an investigation into his finances and lifestyle.

In 2007 Yaqoob – described as a “career criminal” – was a member of a six-strong organised crime gang which defrauded an insurance company out of almost £330,000, the agency said.

Yaqoob was charged with theft and money laundering after he received £115,000 into his own bank account. He then withdrew £70,000 cash within days before his account was frozen. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in 2012.

In July Her Honour Judge Sally Cahill QC ruled that assets belonging to Yaqoob were the profits of his illegal activities and granted the NCA a confiscation order for £993,760.45.

The judge said if he failed to pay up he would face a further four and a half years in prison and still owe the cash – plus interest – when he was released.

A decade ago Yaqoob was at the centre of a planning row over a nine-bedroomed mansion he built in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield.